UPSET will receive Byrne JAG funding

LANSING – Criminal justice agencies across the state of Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team, will receive $1.2 million in federal grants to strengthen antidrug and crime fighting efforts in Michigan. The funding is made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

UPSET, coordinated by the Michigan Department of State Police, has been awarded Byrne JAG funds in the amount of $248,455 for Multijurisdictional Task Forces.

Byrne JAG funds support all aspects of the criminal justice system, and this year’s awards focus on technology enhancements.

“Protecting Michigan citizens is a top priority and these grants will go a long way toward improving the technology and tools that support our public safety community,” Gov. Rick Snyder said.

Agencies receiving funding have until July 31 to spend their awards. A complete list of awarded programs, as well as grant criteria, is available at www.michigan.gov/cjgrants.

Byrne JAG grants are named in honor of New York City Police Department Officer Edward Byrne. Byrne was fatally shot by drug traffickers in 1988, while on assignment protecting a witness in a drug case.